Bank accounts for the housebound

vallyd

Hi-does anyone know of a bank who would visit a housebound lady to open a current account?Was told that Lloyds TSB did offer the service in very exceptional circumstances but the local branch is digging its heels in saying they simply don't have the staff to spare. I know of no highstreet bank that will open an account without physically seeing a client-even internet and phone applications ask you to bring in id. Does anyone have any ideas-obviously for a 93 year old , internet banking is not an option.All she wants is to pay her bills by direct debit

marcellep

I know that Citibank do not expect anyone to go in to there branch to open an account.

https://www.citibank.co.uk

Its all done online and they send you the paper work to sign

That might be helpful

Biggles

marcellep wrote: »

Its all done online and they send you the paper work to sign

valleyd wrote: »

internet banking is not an option

Don't know the answer to this one. Are you able to take the papers to the bank for her? That might get around much of it if only you can find a bank that will water down the ID procedures.

marcellep

Biggles wrote: »

Don't know the answer to this one. Are you able to take the papers to the bank for her? That might get around much of it if only you can find a bank that will water down the ID procedures.

They send you a freepost envelope thatyou use to send back your ID

vallyd

No problem taking papers to the bank but that is not sufficient for them-they all need to SEE the customer. Will look into citibank but it doesnt look like the sort of bank that will want a 93 year old pensioner with no credit history!

heppy23

vallyd wrote: »

Hi-does anyone know of a bank who would visit a housebound lady to open a current account?Was told that Lloyds TSB did offer the service in very exceptional circumstances but the local branch is digging its heels in saying they simply don't have the staff to spare. I know of no highstreet bank that will open an account without physically seeing a client-even internet and phone applications ask you to bring in id. Does anyone have any ideas-obviously for a 93 year old , internet banking is not an option.All she wants is to pay her bills by direct debit

Is she a relative of yours? You might be able to do something as a trustee if she is.

Other than that you are dependant on the goodwill of the bank.

Might be worth having a chat with office staff at local nursing homes, they often have to manage peoples accounts and might know of a local bank that might be helpful.

Or speak to age concern, should be in the phone book.

realaledrinker

A number of credit unions have recently started offering bank accounts in partnership with The Co-op Bank. For example, Leeds City Credit Union.

http://www.leedscitycreditunion.co.uk/content.asp?section=150

Check out the ABCUL website, find the nearest union to the lady & give them a call. I'm sure they would be prepared to help.

http://www.abcul.coop/page/index.cfm

Ms_Chocaholic

When I opened an ISA each for me, OH and DS with A&L, they didn't request that we visited a branch and produce ID, in fact we didn't even have to send any ID through the mail.

Unsure whether an ISA would be dealt with differently from a current account though.

vallyd

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. Have now tried Alliance & Leicester who say that an electoral role check is sufficient for them or failing that a doctor's letter as ID. Although there is no branch nearby, the lady's carer can pay money in if necessary at the post office (she isn't allowed to take money out for a client). I work on a council project helping the over 60's organise their money but am learning new things all the time! Do feel the main high street banks are far too rigid in their ID requirements though...

AndyR_3

Sadly it's not the banks, it's the government. Banks, simply, would rather turn a customer away then risk getting a huge fine.

Having said that, quite a few banks will allow you to open an account by post with the right ID and if you're on the voters roll, and may well accept a letter from the DWP as ID.